[The updated advancements in synaptic plasticity mediated by glial cells]

Abstract

Synaptic plasticity is the basis of learning and memory and extensive studies focused on neurons and synapses whereas glial cells are neglected for a long time. Recent studies indicate that glial cells can be involved in the formation of tripartite synapse and affect the activities of synapse, and thereby the roles of glial cells in synaptic plasticity have'been noticed gradually. There are evidences that astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes can modulate the synaptic plasticity via multiple signaling pathways, including glutamate, serine, glycine and ATP et al. These studies have provided new directions for the synaptic plasticity study and will contribute greatly to the clarification of the synaptogenesis and learning and memory.